It is a shameful indictment of our unfixable health system that, in 2015, the situation in our EDs has not improved - instead it has worsened.

How long before an elderly person dies on a trolley?

Earlier this month HSE director general Tony O'Brien took to RTE radio to elaborate on his plans to reduce overcrowding by working with hospital groups and community health organisations.

But subsequent events at Beaumont showed that nothing less than a complete overhaul of the system will have an effect.

Despite all his straight-talking Health Minister Leo Varadkar has had zero impact on the ED crisis since he took up his role. He continues to talk tough, as gravely ill pensioners continue to lie on chairs in overcrowded, noisy rooms.

The trolley scandal shows how Minister Varadkar - like all his predecessors- has lost credibility.